Would Missing Cartilage In The Shoulder Show In An MRI Or An X-ray Report?

Posted on Thu, 3 Mar 2022

Question: i was wondering if missing cartilage in the shoulder would show up in an mri or xrays? these are my mris attached

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No films attached

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In my opinion, the best way to see missing cartilage would be in an MRI cartogram- where MRI is done specifically with the aim of seeing the joint cartilage, Else it would be best seen in Arthroscopy (surgical procedure with direct visualization).
There are no MRI films so I cannot comment on the condition. Kindly upload to this query so that I am better able to help you.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

did they upload this time?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
seen the pics, You need a cartogram to define cartilage.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I have seen the pics from previous questions . I have seen them and really not much can be made of cartilage surfaces .You need a dedicated coil in MRI machine to define the cartilage.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (24 minutes later)

what would be signs and symtoms of loss of cartilage and what would be the treatment? i have been having shoulder pain and cracking since December. my shoulder started cracking before there was any pain. after a few months pain started to be a problem. i have had xrays and mris and the doctors cant seem to figure out what is wrong. they originally thought it was scapular dyskenisis. they are saying i need to keep doing my physical therapy and thats it but i have been doing the therapy with no inprovment for a while. i have had a cordozone injection which also did nothing. i heard about cartilage from a friend who said they had a similar issue and had problems finding the diagnosis but he found out it was loss of cartilage.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
could be pinched nerve in neck

Detailed Answer:
Hi
you have shoulder pain and MRI and X Rays do not reveal anything . If you have normal range of movement in shoulder but pain is still there and I am inclined to think that the problem may be from cervical spine where one of the nerves may be getting pinched , causing shoulder pain. The crackling sound may be incidental only.
If you fell any neck stiffness also , I would recommend MRI of Cervical Spine. Start pain killers and muscle relaxants in the meantime. Physiotherapy would also help.
Cortisone injection in shoulder will not help in this situation.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (24 minutes later)

i do have neck pain. almost a pain like i feel like i need to crack the bones. i believe i have normal range of motion. i can move my arm any direction. if it is that what testing would i need? what are the causes of that? and the symtoms? the xrays and mri i have had have all been of the shoulder. my doctor suggested a breast reduction because he thinks the size of my breasts may have caused the cracking in my shoulder.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pl see below

Detailed Answer:
Hi In this case you need
1. MRI of Cervical Spine
2. NCV of both upper limbs
The symptoms you have just described are again suggestive of Cervical Disc disease- will confirm by MRI neck.
Breast size generally does not effect shoulder pain.
Let us discuss after MRI cervical Spine.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (21 minutes later)

is there any treatment for that or cure? what would cause that?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes there is treatment. cause cannot be told for sure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
There is treatment , if there is a problem in cervical spine.
As far as cause is concerned , there is no definite reason as to why it may occur.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj